Active suspension case for a mobile device

ABSTRACT

An improved protective case for a mobile device is disclosed herein. The protective case may comprise a base portion, a stop, and at least one sliding or moving impact section to assist in the absorption of impact.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalAppl. Nos. 61/655,952, filed Jun. 5, 2012 and 61/677,432, filed Jul. 30,2012. All of the above applications are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entirety and are to be considered a part of thisspecification.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This application relates to protective cases for a mobile device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Mobile devices are often known to be dropped by a user or to fall off ofobjects such as a table, sometimes resulting in damage to the mobiledevices such as a cracked screen, lost button, cracked mobile devicebody, etc. Thus cases have been provided to protect a mobile device fromdamage that could be sustained from a fall. Protective cases for mobiledevices have been provided that have flexible components in impactareas, such as corners of the case, such as those disclosed in US PatentApplication Publication No. 2011/0228459.

However, there still exists a need for desirable alternatives to provideprotection to a mobile device in case of a fall.

SUMMARY

An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includesthe realization that a protective case may provide beneficial impactresistance and protect a mobile device contained therein throughfeatures incorporated into the protective case. For example, a case maycomprise a base portion of the case comprising a back panel and at leastone side portion extending upward from the back panel, the at least oneside portion configured to engage two pairs of opposing sides of amobile device, at least two channels disposed on the back side of thecase, and a stop disposed on the back side of the case, the stop beingadjacent to the at least two channels, and one or more impact sectionsdisposed around the stop, located on the back side of the case. The oneor more impact sections may detachably connected to the base portion ofthe case by the at least two channels through a tongue-and-groove-typesliding mechanism or rail system.

Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, a case may comprise a backpanel comprising a first interface surface and at least two impactsections, each comprising a second interface surface, wherein the firstinterface surface and the second interface surface are configured suchthat the at least two impact sections are movable and, preferably,slidable with respect to the back panel. Desirably, the at least twoimpact sections are separate pieces from one another. Further, at leasta portion of the second interface surface of one of the at least twoimpact sections may substantially continually contact said firstinterface surface when the case is not subject to an impact force. Inaddition, at least a portion of said second interface surface of each ofsaid at the least two impact sections may substantially continuallycontact at least a portion of said first interface surface when saidcase is not subject to an impact force.

Thus, in accordance with yet another embodiment, an assembly maycomprise a frame, a first impact piece; and a second impact pieceseparate from the first impact piece. The first impact piece may beslidable with respect to the frame and independently of the secondimpact piece. The second impact piece may be movable with respect to theframe.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of protecting amobile device can include providing a case having a base portioncomprising a back side and four transverse extending walls, the fourtransverse walls extending vertically from the back side of the case, atleast two channels disposed on the back side of the case forming atongue-and-groove-type sliding mechanism or rail system, and one or moresupporting pieces disposed around a central piece, located on the backside of the case, the one or more supporting pieces are detachablyconnected to the base portion by the at least two channels through thetongue-and-groove-type sliding mechanism, inserting the mobile deviceinto the case, and reducing the transfer of impact energy to the mobiledevice through lateral and/or sliding movement of the one or moresupporting pieces as compared to the transfer of impact energy to themobile device if the mobile device were not inserted in the case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present embodiments willbecome more apparent upon reading the following detailed description andwith reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a rear plan view of an assembled improved protective caseaccording to one embodiment; and

FIG. 2 is a separated rear plan view of the case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom end view of the case of FIG. 1, where the impactsections are removed;

FIG. 3A is a portion of an enlarged cross-sectional view of the casealong 3A-3A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a portion of an enlarged cross-sectional view of analternative embodiment of the case, similar to FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of an assembled improved protective caseaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a separated rear plan view of the case of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the case of FIG. 5, containing amobile device;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 5, containing amobile device;

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of the case of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a separated rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 11 is a bottom end view of the case of FIG. 5, where the impactsections have been removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An improved protective case for a mobile device is disclosed herein. Theembodiments disclosed herein are described in the context of aprotective case for a cell phone because the embodiments disclosedherein have particular utility in this context. However, the embodimentsand inventions herein can also be applied to other types of mobiledevices, including, but not limited to tablets, PDAs, e-readers, MP3players (such as an iPod®), laptops, etc.

The terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” as used hereinrepresent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs adesired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms“approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amountthat is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within lessthan 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of thestated amount.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the case 10 generally comprises a base portion20 or frame and one or more impact sections or portions or pieces 31, 32which are desirably movable relative to the base portion 20. The impactsections 31, 32 can be disposed around a stop 24, which can be locatedcentrally on the back panel 22 of the base portion 20. The case 10 canbe generally shaped to contain and protect a mobile device (e.g. aniPhone®). When placed inside of a case, the mobile device (as shown forexample, in FIG. 7) desirably fits snugly, although the user still hasaccess to the buttons and/or touch screen of the mobile device eitherdirectly through apertures in the case 10 or indirectly through buttonfeatures included on the base portion 20.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the case 10 may desirablybe generally rectangular in shape to fit the exterior of a mobiledevice, such as an iPhone 4 or an iPhone 4s. The case may have fourcorners and a side support that extends around the case. For example, asviewed from the back, with the camera opening at the top, the caseillustrated in FIG. 1 may have a left side 2, a right side 3, a top end4, and a bottom end 5. However, the shape of case 10 as shown in thefigures is not limiting, and in some embodiments the case may beshorter, longer, thicker, or thinner than is shown in the embodiments ofthe figures. In some embodiments the case may be generally circular,oval, square, or any other suitable polygon in shape.

FIG. 1 is a rear plan view of the improved protective case 10 for amobile device, incorporating certain features, aspects and advantages ofthe present invention. The case 10 is described herein with reference toa coordinate system wherein a lateral axis L extends from the left side2 of the of the case 10 to the right side 3 of the case 10. A vertical,central plane generally bisects the case 10 and the lateral axis. Alongitudinal axis extends normal to the lateral axis and lies within ahorizontal plane. In addition, relative vertical movements of featuresof the case are generally expressed as distances towards and away fromlateral axis L, bisecting the case 10 in the planar position shown inFIG. 1. Linear forces, as described herein, refer to forces exerted uponthe case 10 at least partially parallel to or along the longitudinal,lateral, and/or vertical axes. Vertical axis V also bisects the case,and runs normal to lateral axis L from the top end 4 to the bottom end5. Angles described herein are expressed relative to vertical axis V.

With further reference to the case illustrated in FIG. 4, the baseportion or frame 20 may comprise an inner portion 6 defining an interiorof the base portion 20 and a rear surface 7 (FIG. 1) defining anexterior of the base portion. The inner portion 6 is desirably generallyconcave and defines a cavity 8 into which a mobile device may beinserted. When a mobile device is inserted in the cavity 8, the interiorgenerally contacts the back and sides of the mobile device.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the rear surface 7 of the base portion20 comprises a back panel 22 and a side support 9 that extendsvertically, or upwardly from the back panel 22 and around the baseportion 20, defining a perimeter of the base portion 20. An edge of theside support 9 then may extend inwards a short distance to form thefront edge 11 of the base portion 20 and define the cavity 8. When amobile device is inserted into the base portion 20, the front edge 11may extend at least partway over the mobile device. The side support 9may comprise four transverse extending walls. The four transverseextending walls may extend from the back panel 22 of the case. In someembodiments the side support 9 may comprise straight or substantiallystraight walls that extend vertically from the back panel 22. Accordingto some embodiments, these walls may be curved.

The back panel 22, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, may also include a stop 24,and a feature window 26, shaped to allow a clear view of a featurelocated on the rear of the mobile device, such as a camera lens. Theside support 9 may include feature apertures 25 corresponding tofeatures on the mobile device, for example, the headphone inlet, thevibrate switch, the port inlet, and the volume control (illustrated). Insome embodiments, the feature window 26 may include a film or coveringdisposed on the inner portion 6 or the rear surface 7 to further protectthe feature located on the rear of the mobile device from debris and/orassist the functionality of the feature located on the rear of themobile device, such as a camera lens and/or a flash.

Other feature apertures may be incorporated into the base portion 20 toallow for access to other features present on the mobile device. Thebase portion 20 may also include button features 28 corresponding toother features on the mobile device such as the sleep or on/off switches(illustrated). The button features 28 may also be formed into the baseportion 20 to correspond to other features of the mobile device. Thebutton features 28 may desirably be molded into the base portion 20, asthus made of the same material of the base portion 20. However, in someembodiments the button features 28 may be made of a different materialthan the base portion 20, or they may comprise an additional material,such as rubber, coated on the button features 28 to improve tactilityand use of the button features 28.

The base portion 20 may desirably be made of a polymeric or plasticmaterial. Such materials may include rubber, silicon, thermoplasticpolyurethane (“TPU”), cross-linked ethylene propylene diene class rubberpolypropylene polymers such as Santoprene® available from ExxonMobil,and/or other suitable thermoplastic or thermoset elastomeric polymersand copolymers. The base portion 20 may be made of a material that issuitably flexible to allow a mobile device to be resiliently receivedand snugly retained within the base portion 20 and to allow the buttonfeatures 28 to flex and contact the corresponding buttons on a mobiledevice without fracture or permanent deformation. Additionally, the baseportion 20 materials alone may be impact resistant enough to resistfracture or permanent deformation when the case 10 containing a mobiledevice is dropped from a user's hand, a table, a desk and similarheights onto a variety of surfaces including concrete, asphalt, carpet,and the like. Such a height may include heights such as six feet, fivefeet, four feet, three feet, and the like.

According to some embodiments, the base portion 20 material may exhibita shore A hardness of 95 or about 95 according to ASTM D2240 testingmethods. In some embodiments, the shore A hardness of the materialcomprising the base portion is in the range of between about 80 andabout 110.

According to some embodiments, the base portion 20 materials may alsoexhibit a tensile strength at break of 5700 psi or about 5700 psiaccording to ASTM D412 testing methods. In some embodiments, the tensilestrength at break is in the range of between about 3500 psi and about8000 psi.

According to some embodiments, the base portion 20 material may exhibitan elongation of 400% or about 400% at break according to ASTM D412testing methods. In some embodiments, the elongation at break is in therange of between about 200% and about 600%.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the stop 24 is shownapproximately in the center of the back panel 22. The stop 24 maycomprise a plastic or polymeric material. The stop 24 may comprisematerials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), cross-linkedethylene propylene diene class rubber polypropylene polymers such asSantoprene® available from ExxonMobil, and other suitable thermoplasticor thermoset elastomeric polymers and copolymers. The stop 24 may beprovided to absorb impact directly from a fall, but also throughcompression of the impact sections 31, 32. The stop may be made of acompressible, resilient material, such that, after it is compressed andthe compressing force is removed, the stop generally returns to itsoriginal shape. The resilient nature of the material may apply equallyin all directions of pressure to the stop 24. In other embodiments, thestop 24 may be made of a material that is more resilient when subjectedto a linear force than a rotating or torsional force. In yet otherembodiments, the stop 24 may be made of a material that is moreresilient when subjected to a rotating or torsional force than a linearforce.

In some embodiments, the stop 24 may be made from a different materialthan the base portion 20. For example, the stop 24 may be made ofmaterials that are softer at room temperature than the base portion 20.In some embodiments, the stop 24 may be made of a material that has alower Tg than the base portion 20. In some embodiments, the stop 24 maybe made of a more resilient material than the base portion 20.

In some embodiments, the stop 24 thus may exhibit a shore A hardness of50 or about 50 according to ISO 868 testing methods. In someembodiments, the shore A hardness of the material comprising the baseportion is in the range of between about 30 and about 70.

In some embodiments, the stop 24 may also exhibit a tensile strength atbreak of 600 psi or about 600 psi according to ASTM D412 testingmethods. In some embodiments, the tensile strength at break is in therange of between about 350 psi and about 1000 psi.

In some embodiments, the stop 24 may exhibit an elongation at break of400% or about 400% according to ASDM D412 testing methods. In someembodiments, the elongation at break is in the range of between about150% and about 600%.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 has a stop 24 in the shape of an8-sided prism. However, the stop 24 may be made in a variety of shapes,e.g. circular, rectangular, square, semi-hemispherical, etc and stillenjoy certain advantages.

The stop 24 may be separate or integrally formed with the base portion20. While the illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 1-4 has the stop 24located roughly in the center of the back panel 22 of the base portion20, in other embodiments the stop may be located on any portion of theback panel 22 of the base portion 20, e.g. near the top, bottom, lefthand side, right hand side, or in another location.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the back panel 22 also may includeindents 41, 42 proximate the stop 24 and configured to generallycorrespond to the shape of the impact sections 31, 32. The indents 41,42 may extend from the back panel 22, around the side support 9 over thetop and/or bottom of the base portion 20, and may form at least aportion of the front edge 11. Raised portions 43, 44 correspond with theindents 41, 42 and may extend from the back panel 22 around the sidesupport 9, and form at least a portion of the front edge 11. Aninterface between the indents 41, 42 and the raised portions 43, 44 maycomprise a difference in height between the indents 41, 42 and theraised portions 43, 44 of desirably about 2.0 mm. According to someembodiments, the difference in height may be 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 3.0mm, 5.0 mm, and the like.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3A, at least two channels 45, 46 may bedisposed in one or more portions of the interface between the indents41, 42 and the raised portions 43, 44. Desirably, the channels 45, 46may be located near the stop 24. The channels 45, 46 may be defined byan extending projection 47, 48 of a part of a raised portion 43, 44 overa portion of the indent 41, 42.

An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3B. According to thisembodiment, a raised portion 44A may include an intermediate extendingflange or projection 48A. An impact section 32A may include twoextending flanges 60C, 60D configured to extend around the intermediateextending projection 48A of the raised portion 44A to form a railsystem. The other impact section may incorporate the same construction.

As discussed above, the case 10 desirably comprises one or more impactsections 31, 32. The impact sections 31, 32 may be separable ordetachable from the base portion 20, as shown in FIG. 2. Each of theimpact sections 31, 32 may comprise a relatively flat back panel thatcomprises a proximal portion 51, 52 and a distal portion 53, 54. Theproximal portion 51, 52 desirably defines a stop interface portion whichmay comprise two arms 55, 56, 57, 58 that are shaped to partiallysurround the stop 24 when the impact section 31, 32 is attached to thecase 10. When the case 10 is assembled, as shown in FIG. 1, the impactsections 31, 32 may directly contact the stop 24. Each proximal portion51, 52 may also desirably define a guide portion which may include atleast two laterally extending flanges 59A, 59B, 60A, 60B disposed on theleft and right sides of the proximal section 51, 52, respectively. Thedistal portion 53, 54 may also comprise a rotational stop portion whichmay comprise diagonally extending edges 61A, 61B, 62A, 62B. Thediagonally extending edges of the distal portion of the impact sectionor sections may extend to an end of the impact section which comprises avertically extending wall, forming a side support 63, 64 of each impactsection 31, 32. When connected to the base portion 20, the two impactsections 31, 32 may move and operate independently of one another, whenone or both of the impact sections 31, 32 are subject to an impactforce.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the faces of the raised portions 43,44 directed toward the impact section 31 and the faces of the raisedportions 43, 44 directed toward the impact section 32 define a firstinterface surface. The faces of the impact section 31 facing the raisedportions 43, 44 and the faces of the impact section 32 facing the raisedportions 43, 44 define a second interface surface. Thus, as seen in FIG.3A, the first interface surface includes a first vertical surfacedefined by the flange 48 and the vertical surface extending from theflange 48 to the floor of the indent 41. A first horizontal retentionsurface is defined by the horizontal surface defined by the flange 48which faces the flange 60B of the impact section. Similarly, the secondinterface surface includes a first vertical surface defined by theflange 60B, the horizontal surface defined by the flange 60B and thevertical surface extending from the flange 60B and the rear surface 7 ofthe base portion 20. A second horizontal retention surface is defined bythe horizontal surface defined by the flange 60B which faces the flange48 of the raised portion 44. When the case is assembled, at least aportion of the first interface surface desirably continually, orsubstantially continually contacts at least a portion of the secondinterface surface.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the faces of the raised portions43A, 44A directed toward the impact section 31A and the faces of theraised portions 43A, 44A directed toward the impact section 32A define afirst interface surface. The faces of the impact section 31A facing theraised portions 43A, 44A and the faces of the impact section 32A facingthe raised portions 43A, 44A define a second interface surface. Thus, asseen in FIG. 3B, the first interface surface includes a first verticalsurface defined by the flange 48A, the vertical surface extending fromthe flange 48A to the floor of the indent 41A and the vertical surfaceextending from the flange 48A to the rear surface 7A of the base portion20A. A pair of first horizontal retention surfaces are defined by thehorizontal surfaces defined by the flange 48A which face the flanges60C, 60D of the impact section. Similarly, the second interface surfaceincludes a vertical surface defined by the flange 60C, a verticalsurface defined by flange 60D and a vertical surface extending betweenflanges 60C and 60D. A pair of second horizontal retention surfaces aredefined by the horizontal surfaces defined by the flanges 60C, 60D whichface the flange 48A of the raised portion 44A. When the case isassembled, at least a portion of the first interface surface desirablycontinually, or substantially continually contacts at least a portion ofthe second interface surface.

The case 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 only has two impact sections. However, inother embodiments the case 10 may comprise one, three, four, or fiveimpact sections and the like. The impact sections may have similarproperties as impact sections disclosed elsewhere in this application.

The side support 63, 64 of each impact section 31, 32 may includefeature apertures 65 that may correspond to matching feature apertures28 on the base portion 20 as well to features on the mobile device suchas a camera lens, on/off switch, headphone inlet, silence vibrateswitch, and the like.

The impact sections 31, 32 may be made of a polymeric or plasticmaterial. Such materials may include polycarbonate, polypropylene,polyethylene or any other suitable thermoplastic or thermoset polymericmaterial. The impact sections 31, 32 may be made of a material that issuitably flexible to attach to the base portion 20 without fracture.Additionally, the material may be impact resistant enough to resistfracture when the case 10 containing a mobile device is dropped from auser's hand, a table, a desk and similar heights onto a variety ofsurfaces including concrete, asphalt, carpet, and the like. Such aheight may include heights such as six feet, five feet, four feet, threefeet, and the like.

According to some embodiments, the impact sections 31, 32 may exhibit animpact strength of at least 7.0 ft lbs/in or at least about 7.0 ftlbs/in according to ASTM D256 notched izod testing methods at 73° F. Insome embodiments, the impact sections 31, 32 may exhibit impact strengthof at least 14 ft lbs/in or at least about 14 ft lbs/in. In someembodiments, the impact strength is in the range of between about 7.0 ftlbs/in and 20 ft lbs/in, between about 14 ft lbs/in about 20 ft lbs/in,between about 10 ft lbs/in and about 14 ft lbs/in, and the like.

According to some embodiments, the impact sections 31, 32 may alsoexhibit a tensile stress at break of 8700 psi or about 8700 psiaccording to ASTM D638 testing methods. In some embodiments, the tensilestrength at break is in the range of between about 5000 psi and about10,000 psi.

According to some embodiments, the impact sections 31, 32 may exhibit anelongation of 100% or about 100% at break according to ASTM D638 testingmethods. In some embodiments, the elongation at break is in the range ofbetween about 50% and about 300%. In other embodiments, the elongationat break is in the range of between about 50% and about 150%.

The impact sections 31, 32 may be removably attached or detachablyconnected to the base portion 20 by a tongue-and-grove type slidingmechanism. In order to attach the impact sections 31, 32 to the baseportion 20, a user may align one or more flanges 59A, 59B, 60A, 60B tothe corresponding channel or channels 45, 46, and slide the impactsection or sections 31, 32 into place towards the stop 24 and intoplace. Once the impact sections 31, 32 are in place, friction betweenthe flanges (e.g. 60A, 60B) and the channels 45, 46 is desirablysufficient to keep the impact sections from sliding off the base portion20. FIG. 3A illustrates a portion of an impact section 32 secured in thechannel 46. The extending projection 48 extends over flange 60B tosecure the impact section 32 in place.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, a user may attach animpact section 32A to the base portion 44A using the rail-type mechanismby aligning the extending flanges 60C, 60D of an impact section 32A oneither side of intermediate extending projection 48A and sliding theimpact section 32A into place on the base portion 44A.

As in shown in FIG. 1, the side support 63 of the impact section 31 mayextend above or below the side support 9 of the base portion 20.Desirably, each impact section extends above or below the side support 9of the base portion 20 a distance of 4 mm or less (or about 4 mm orless). According to other embodiments, the impact section extends aboveor below the side support 9 of the base portion 20 a distance of 3 mm ormore (or about 3 mm or more), 2 mm or more (or about 2 mm or more), 1 mmor more (or about 1 mm or more), 0.5 mm or more and the like. Accordingto yet other embodiments, the impact section extends above or below theside support 9 of the base portion 20 a distance between about 0.5 mmand about 1.0 mm.

Also as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the diagonally extendingedges 61A, 61B, 62A, 62B of the impact sections 31, 32 are spaced apartfrom corresponding diagonally extending edges 43A, 44A, 43B, 44B of theraised edges 43, 44. Desirably the diagonally extending edges 61A, 61B,62A, 62B are spaced a distance in the range of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm (orabout 0.5 mm to about 5.0 mm) from diagonally extending edges 43A, 44A,43B, 44B, respectively. According to other embodiments, the diagonallyextending edges are spaced a distance of 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm (or about 0.5mm to about 4.0 mm), 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm (or about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm),0.5 mm to 1.0 mm (or about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm), and the like, fromdiagonally extending edges 43A, 44A, 43B, 44B, respectively. Whensubject to an impact force, a single impact section may rotate adistance from about 0 mm to the distance the diagonally extending edgesare spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the diagonallyextending edges 61A, 61B, 62A, 62B of the impact sections 31, 32 areabout uniformly spaced from diagonally extending edges 43A, 44A, 43B,44B of the raised edges 43, 44 by the distances recited above. Accordingto other embodiments, the distance between the diagonally extendingedges 61A, 61B, 62A, 62B of the impact sections 31, 32 and thediagonally extending edges 43A, 44A, 43B, 44B of the raised edges 43, 44increases along the length of the diagonally extending edges of theimpact sections in the ranges recited above. According to yet otherembodiments, the distance between the diagonally extending edges of theimpact sections and the diagonally extending edges of the raised edgesdecreases along the length of the diagonally extending edges of theimpact sections in the ranges recited above.

The improved case 10 may also have a hard stop located at 43C, 43D, 44C,44D. The hard stop 43C, 43D, 44C, 44D is a diagonal edge extending fromthe raised edges 43, 44 proximate the stop 24. The hard stop 43C, 43D,44C, 44D prevents the impact sections 31, 32 from sliding down thechannels 45, 46 and compressing the stop 24 any distance further thanwhere arms 55, 56 contact hard stop 43C, 44C or where arms 57, 58contact hard stop 43D, 44D.

The improved case 10 as described above is designed to advantageouslyabsorb force when subject to an impact force such as a fall. Theimproved case 10 may absorb force from at least one of severalmechanisms, and thus prevent a mobile device being contained within thecase 10 from cracking, scratching, or fracture of the screen, body,keypad, keyboard, switches, buttons, or any other portion of the mobiledevice.

According to one embodiment, the improved case 10 may assist inabsorbing energy from an impact force through the sliding of the impactsection or sections along the channels. For example, when the case isdropped or hit on a surface, resulting in a straight or semi-straightupward or downward force along the vertical axis V upon the impactsection or sections, the impact section or sections may slide along thechannels, dissipating energy through at least friction between theimpact section or sections and the channels. When a sufficient force isapplied to the impact section or sections, one or both impact section orsections may contact and compress the stop 24. The compression of thestop 24 dissipates additional energy. As mentioned previously, the stop24 may be resilient and return to approximately or substantially itsoriginal shape, even after being compressed by the impact section orsections. The impact sections may slide along the channels independentlyof one another.

According to some embodiments, a single impact section connected to thebase portion 20 by the tongue-and-groove mechanism can slide andcompress the stop 24, when subject to an impact force or other type offorce a distance of 5 mm (or about 5 mm) or more toward or away fromaxis L. According to other embodiments, a single impact section canslide and compress the stop, when subject to an impact force or othertype of force a distance of 4 mm (or about 4 mm) or more, 3 mm (or about3 mm) or more, 2 mm (or about 2 mm), 1 mm (or about 1 mm) or more, 0.5mm (or about 0.5 mm) or more, and the like.

According to some embodiments, a single impact section connected to thebase portion 20 by the tongue-and-groove or rail mechanism can slidealong the channel or channels, when subject to an impact force or othertype of force a distance of 5 mm (or about 5 mm) or more toward or awayfrom lateral axis L. According to other embodiments, a single impactsection can slide along the channel or channels, when subject to animpact force or other type of force a distance of 4 mm (or about 4 mm)or more, 3 mm (or about 3 mm) or more, 2 mm (or about 2 mm) or more, andthe like. In some embodiments, a single impact section may slide alongthe channel or channels, when subject to a force a distance of betweenabout 0 mm and about 25 mm, between about 1 mm and about 20 mm, betweenabout 0 mm and about 10 mm, between about 0 mm and about 5 mm, betweenabout 0.5 mm and about 7 mm and the like.

According to another embodiment the improved case 10 may assist inabsorbing energy from an impact force through the rotational and/ortorsional movement of the impact section or sections when they aresubject to a shearing or sideways force along the lateral axis L. Forexample, when the case is dropped or hit on a surface, resulting in asideways or somewhat sideways force being applied to one or more of theimpact sections, the impact sections may rotate within the indents,contact the stop 24, and dissipate energy. When a sufficient force isapplied to the impact section or sections, one or both impact section orsections may contact and compress the stop 24. The compression of thestop 24 dissipates additional energy. As mentioned previously, the stop24 may be resilient and return to approximately its original shape, evenafter being compressed by the rotation of the impact section orsections. The impact sections 31, 32 may rotate independently of oneanother.

According to some embodiments, a single impact section can rotate up toa maximum angle of 10 degrees (or about 10 degrees) or less relative tovertical axis V between the raised portions 43, 44 and within the indent141, 142 when subject to a torsional force According to otherembodiments, a single impact section can rotate a maximum angle of 5degrees (or about 5 degrees) or less, 3 degrees (or about 3 degrees) orless, 1 degree (or about 1 degree) or less, and the like. According toan embodiment, a single impact section may be rotatable in the range ofbetween about 3 degrees and about 15 degrees, between about 5 degreesand 10 degrees, between about 5 degrees and 45 degrees, between about 15degrees and about 30 degrees, and the like.

According to another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 5-11, a case 110may generally comprise a base portion 120, impact sections or portionsor pieces 131, 132, at least one stop 124, and a central portion 180. Asillustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 10, these components may beseparable from one another.

The base portion 120 may comprise an interior 106 and an exterior 107.The exterior may comprise a relatively flat back panel 122. The backpanel 122 may include an aperture 181 sized to contain an impact block180. The impact block 180 may then contain an impact block aperturesized to contain a stop 124. The back panel 122 may also compriseindents 141, 142, generally shaped to contain the impact portions 131,132 as well as the impact block 180. The back panel 122 may alsocomprise raised portions 143, 144 configured to contain the impactportions 131, 132 as well as the impact block 180. The impact block 180may be disposed in the center of the back panel 122.

Impact block 180 thus may exhibit an izod impact resistance of 7.7 ftlbs/in or about 7.7 ft lbs/in at 73° F. In some embodiments, the impactresistance is in the range of between about 1.5 ft lbs/in and about 20ft lbs/in.

Impact block 180 may also exhibit a tensile strength of 500 psi or about500 psi. In some embodiments, the tensile strength is in the range ofbetween about 350 psi and about 700 psi.

Impact block 180 may exhibit an elongation of 400% or about 400%. Insome embodiments, the elongation is in the range of between about 150%and about 500%.

Impact portions 131, 132 may be separably connected to the top and thebottom of the base portion 120 by channels 145, 146 formed in the impactblock 180. The impact portions 131, 132 may be disposed around a stop124 preferably located in the center of the back panel 122 of the baseportion 120. The base portion 120 may comprise indents 141, 142approximately sized to contain the impact portions 131, 132.

The base portion 120, impact portions 131, 132, and stop 124 may exhibitphysical characteristics (such as tensile strength, impact resistance,and the like) similar to those corresponding aspects of the inventiondescribed in other embodiments described herein.

The impact sections 131, 132 may be separable from the base portion 120,as shown in FIG. 6. The impact sections 131, 132 may comprise arelatively flat back panel that comprises a proximal portion 151, 152and a distal portion 153, 154. The impact portions 151, 152 may compriserectangular arms 155, 156, 157, 158 located proximally to the stop 124.According to some embodiments, when assembled, the rectangular arms 155,156, 157, 158 may abut or directly contact the stop 124. The impactportions 131, 132 are generally flat, similarly to the back panel 122,then extend downwards to form a side support 163, 164 of the impactportions 131, 132.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 10, the rectangular arms 155, 156, 157,158 may also include laterally extending flanges 159A, 159B, 160A, 160Bdisposed on the outward side of each rectangular arm.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 11, at least two channels 145,146 may be disposed in one or more portions of the impact block 180. Thechannels may be located near the stop 124. The channels 145, 146 may bedefined by an extending edge 181, 182 of a part of a raised portion 183,184 of the impact block 180.

The impact portions 131, 132 may be connected to the base portion 120through the channels 145, 146. For example, a user may take an impactportion 132 and align the laterally extending flanges (e.g. 160A and160B) with the channels 145, 146 and slide the impact portion 132 intoplace. This forms the tongue-and-groove type mechanism for thisembodiment. Once in place, the impact portions 131, 132 may slide up anddown the channels independently of one another. However, frictionbetween the flanges and the channels generally keeps the impact portionsin place during use.

The improved case may also have a hard stop 143A, 143B, 144A, 144B. Thehard stop 143A, 143B, 144A, 144B may be a horizontal edge extending fromthe raised edges 143, 144 proximate horizontally extending edges 161A,161B, 162A, 162B of the distal portions 153, 154 of the impact portions131, 132. The hard stop 143A, 143B, 144A, 144B prevents the impactportions 131, 132 from sliding down the channels 145, 146 andcompressing the stop 124 any distance further than where horizontallyextending edges 161A, 161B contact hard stop 143A, 144A or wherehorizontally extending edges 162A, 162B contact hard stop 143A, 144B.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a mobile device 170 may be inserted into theprotective case 110. The mobile device 170 may have a front 171, a back,a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side. When placedinside of the case 110, the mobile device 170 is surrounded on its sidesby the side support 109, surrounded on its back by the inner portion 106(FIG. 9), and the front of the case is partially covered by the frontedge 111.

According to other embodiments, impact portions, such as those describedabove, may be connected to the base portion by a variety of othermechanisms, and thus movable with respect to the base portion.

A method for protecting a mobile device may be achieved throughutilization of the protective case described herein. A mobile device maybe first inserted into the base portion of the case. Then a user mayslide the impact sections into place on the base portion around thestop. When a mobile device is inserted into the case, the case protectsthe mobile device by reducing the transfer of impact energy to themobile device through the lateral, rotational, and/or sliding movementof one or more of the impact sections when the case containing themobile device is subject to a force, including an impact force, ascompared to the transfer of energy to the mobile device if the mobiledevice were not inserted in the case. It is contemplated that in oneaspect of operation, the impact sections 31, 32 are configured to sliderelative to the back panel along one or more channels or rails disposedtherein toward and/or away from the compressible/resilient stopcomponent 24. Sufficient impact force resulting from a fall or the likepushes the impact section receiving the force towards the stop 24, whichin turn is compressed (from a first state to a second state) to absorbthe communicated force and thereby cushion the impact. Once the force isdissipated, the stop 24 expands to its original state thereby moving theimpact section away from the stop 24 to or towards its pre-impactedposition so that it the impact section is repositioned or reconfiguredto receive another impact. The stop 24 may therefore be formed of asuitably compressible and elastic material to facilitate thisfunctionality and the base portion may be formed as a unitary componentseparate from the impact sections. In their un-impacted state the impactsections are spaced apart at their opposing or proximate ends to allowfor their relative movement vis-à-vis one another and may preferablyextend along multiple sides of the case so that in a preferredconfiguration there is an impact section configured and positioned toreceive impact from forces received on any of the sides of the case,preferably on all four corners of the case.

According to some embodiments, the impact sections may be activatedmechanically by sensing a fall to extend outward and protect the mobiledevice contained within the case. A variety of implementations may beemployed to activate the impact sections to extend outward when a fallis sensed. For example, the case may include an automatic expansionmechanism to extend the impact sections outwardly. The automaticexpansion mechanism can be controlled by a wired or wireless signal (orsignals) transmitted or triggered from one or more embeddedaccelerometers in the mobile device and/or case. The outputs of the oneor more accelerometers may be received, monitored, polled and/orprocessed by a processor or electrical circuit embedded in the mobiledevice to determine whether a potentially damaging motion (e.g.,falling) may have occurred. For example, the acceleration of gravity is9.8 m/s² (1G). When an acceleration value in any direction of the mobiledevice increases from zero (0) or a low acceleration (e.g., <2 m/s²) to1G (or near 1G) in a relatively short period of time (e.g., 0.25seconds), it can be considered that a potentially damaging motion hasoccurred. The relative triggering motion may be measured in differentways and triggered at desired, selected or selectable points or ranges.Sensing rotation, for example via the output(s) of an orientation sensorcan also (with or without an accelerometer) be used to determinepotentially damaging motions and/or potential impact axis. Once apotentially damaging motion is determined, the mobile device and/or casemay transmit an output or one or more signals to trigger the automaticexpansion mechanism. The mobile device and/or case (e.g., batterypowered case) can be electrically and/or magnetically coupled to providepower to the automatic expansion mechanism. Thus it is contemplated thatthe disclosed case can be configured to have an automatic expansionmechanism, one or more accelerometer, an orientation sensor, and aprocessing circuit or sensing circuit to determine whether a potentiallydamaging motion has occurred. Once a potentially damaging motion isdetermined, the case may activate the automatic expansion mechanism toextend the impact sections outwardly. One advantage of including one ormore sensors on the case is that the case can independently determinewhether a potentially damaging motion has occurred without relying onthe information conveyed from the mobile device. It is also contemplatedthat software (e.g., an application) can be loaded on the mobile devicethat uses the sensors on the mobile device alone or in combination withsensors on the case to determine motion, orientation, and/or positionthat will allow exterior physical deformation or reconfiguration of thecase. It is also contemplated that an oil resistant(lipophobic/oleophobic) coating and/or hydrophobic (water repelling)coatings may also be applied to one or more components of the case onthe inner and/or outer surfaces. Such coatings may help guard againstunwanted water intrusion and smudging and/or soiling on the deviceand/or case and include but are not limited to formulations offluorocarbons available from Aculon, San Diego, Calif. 92121; andothers. Although not depicted, it should be understood that the casesdescribed herein may also include a plastic or glass (transparent)window panel that overlays the screen of the mobile device and isintegrated or fixed into relative position by the other components ofthe frame (e.g., the front edge 11 or lip portion). The transparentpanel may be configured or dimensioned so that it does not extends tothe outer circumference of the perimeter of the side support walls toallow for desired flexibility or shock absorption by the compressiblestop member 24. The lipophobic/oleophobic coating could also be appliedto this window panel on the outer and/or inner surface with or without ahydrophobic coating applied to this window panel on the outer surface.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions havebeen shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplatedthat various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific featuresand aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within thescope of the inventions. It should be understood that various featuresand aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with orsubstituted for one another in order to form varying modes of thedisclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at leastsome of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited bythe particular disclosed embodiments described above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective case configured to removably receiveand retain-a mobile device having a front face and an opposing backface, a left side and an opposing right side, and a top side and anopposing bottom side, said protective case comprising: a base portioncomprising: a back panel having inner and outer surfaces configured toreside underneath the back face of the mobile device, side portions,having inner and outer surfaces, extending transversely from said backpanel configured to engage opposing sides of the mobile device, theinner surface of said back panel and side portions define a compartmentfor housing said mobile device, at least two channels defined bymultiple walls disposed on said back panel, and a stop componentdisposed on said back panel said stop component being adjacent tosaid-channels; and one or more impact sections disposed around said stopcomponent, said impact sections being located alongside said back paneland slidably connected to said channels, wherein each of said impactsections, when subject to sufficient force, is configured to slidealongside said back panel along the channel, to which it is slidablyconnected, from a first position to a second position therebycommunicating at least a portion of said force to said stop component.2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein said one or more impactsections comprise two or more impact sections.
 3. The protective case ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more impact sections comprise a plasticmaterial having an impact strength of at least 7.0 ft lbs/in.
 4. Theprotective case of claim 3, wherein said one or more impact sectionscomprise a plastic material having an impact strength of at least 14 ftlbs/in.
 5. The protective case of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidone or more impact sections includes a wall portion that, when connectedto said base portion of said case, is adjacent to at least a region ofsaid outer surface of said side portions and is spaced apart a defineddistance from said region of said outer surface.
 6. The protective caseof claim 5, wherein said defined distance is at least 1.0 mm.
 7. Theprotective case of claim 1, wherein said one or more impact sections isin direct contact with said stop component when in said first and secondpositions.
 8. The protective case of claim 1, wherein said stopcomponent comprises a material and is configured such that said stopcomponent returns to substantially its original shape after beingsubject to a force resulting from an impact section sliding from saidfirst position to said second position.
 9. The protective case of claim1, wherein said stop component comprises a material and is configuredsuch that said stop component is capable of returning substantially toits original shape when subject to a force imparted by a rotationalmovement of said one or more impact sections.
 10. The protective case ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more impact sections, when slidablyconnected to the channel, are also rotatable about an axis that isnormal to a plane defined by the outer surface of said back panel. 11.The protective case of claim 10, wherein said one or more impactsections are rotatable about said axis at an angle between 5 degrees andabout 45 degrees.
 12. The protective case of claim 2, wherein said twoor more impact sections are rotatable about an axis that is normal to aplane defined by the outer surface of said back panel.
 13. Theprotective case of claim 12, wherein said two or more impact sections,when slidably connected to the channel, are rotatable about said axis atan angle between 5 degrees and about 45 degrees.
 14. A case for a mobiledevice comprising: a back panel having an inner and outer surfacesdefined by a perimeter and comprising a first interface surface; atleast two impact sections dimensioned to extend beyond a region of theperimeter of said back panel, each comprising a second interface surfacethat is mated to the first interface surface and each being slidablycoupled to the back panel; wherein when said impact sections areattached at opposing sides thereof, said first and second interfacesurfaces are adjacent to one another and configured to slide alongsideone another; and wherein the at least two impact sections are separatepieces from one another.
 15. The case of claim 14, wherein said at leasttwo impact sections are slidably coupled within a channel formed on theouter surface of said back panel.
 16. The case of claim 14, wherein atleast a portion of said second interface surface of one of the at leasttwo impact sections is in continuous contacts with said first interfacesurface when sliding from a first position to a second position.
 17. Thecase of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of each of said secondinterface surfaces of each of said at the least two impact sections arein continuous-contact with at least a portion of said first interfacesurface when each of said portions of each of said second interfacesslide from a first position to a second position.
 18. An assembly for amobile device protective case comprising: a frame; a first impact piece;and a second impact piece separate from said first impact piece; whereinwhen the frame, first impact piece and second impact piece are fullyassembled and connected to one another, said first impact piece andsecond impact piece are each attached to said frame at opposing sides,each of said impact pieces is independently slidably coupled to saidframe at first and second interfaces, respectively, and each of saidinterfaces is adapted to guide sliding movement of the slidably coupledimpact piece under force from a first position to a second positionrelative to said frame.
 19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein saidsecond impact piece is configured to be user separable from said frame.20. A method of protecting a mobile device comprising: providing a casecomprising, a base portion of said case comprising, a back side and fourtransverse extending walls, said four transverse extending wallsextending from said back side of said case and dimensioned to retainsaid mobile device within said case, at least two channels defined bychannel walls disposed on said back side of said case forming atongue-and-groove type sliding mechanism, and one or more supportingpieces disposed around a central piece, located on said back side ofsaid case, wherein each of said one or more supporting pieces areconnected and slidably coupled to said base portion of said case alongsaid channels through said tongue-and-groove type sliding mechanism andwhile connected and coupled to said base portion configured to slidealongside the back side of the base portion and compress the centralpiece when sufficient force is applied; and inserting said mobile deviceinto said case.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said central piecehas a polygonal shape.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said one ormore supporting pieces are capable of sliding a defined distance withinthe range of 0.5 mm and about 7.0 mm while still connected and slidablycoupled to said base portion.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein whenthe supporting pieces are in a first position they are spaced apart fromat least one wall structure and when they are in a second position theyare in contact with the at least one wall structure.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein at least some of the channel walls are molded withinthe back side of the case.